Eid al-Fitr, a major holiday in Islam, is a time of joy and celebration that marks the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is a time of increased worship, charity, and good deeds; Eid al-Fitr means the feast, or festival, of breaking the fast. The school decided to observe this day as a holiday, recognizing its importance to Muslim students. But what does this holiday mean to the students who celebrate it?

Freshman Anessa Herzi said, “Eid means family, religion and faith.” She spends the day with her entire family doing fun activities as well as continuing with the more religious aspects.

“It’s like a celebration because you finished with fasting and something to celebrate because you got through a month of hardship and perseverance,” Herzi said. After beginning fasting, Eid al-Fitr takes on a new meaning for Herzi as she recently began fasting, although she has taken part in the holiday since birth.

Junior Amir Dahm offers his perspective, also emphasizing the communal aspect of Eid al-Fitr.

“In past years, my family went out to New Jersey where my grandma lives and we have a family get-to-gether.… it’s a celebration and a happy time,” said Dahm.

Dahm emphasizes the importance of recognizing Eid as a holiday and expressing gratitude for the school’s decision to honor it: “I think it’s a great practice to recognize holidays; it’s like respect for every religion.” Eid al-Fitr recognition as a holiday fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance, reflecting SPA’s commitment to embracing diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all students.

Through the perspectives of students like Herzi and Dahm, we see how Eid holds personal and communal significance. By taking school off today, the school fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance among its students, contributing to an inclusive environment for all.